As i grow older in my christian walk, I realize no matter how long you have been a christian or how active you were, everyone is susceptible and vulnerable to not ending well.
When we see who we thought to be mature christians giving in to sin, many automatically go into that silent self-righteous shock of "how could this be". This is a common reaction.
But for me, when I see a christian fall, I fall down on my knees in fear and pray. If this can happen to you, a christian who has been bearing fruit for many years..... this can happen to me too. I am no better than you. We are both the same, battling with our unspiritual wants, needing daily grace.
As they say, it's not how we start the journey but how it ends. My prayer is for all saints to end well.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Monday, January 26, 2015
Excerpt from The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
I asked whether,when and how the oppressed could truly threaten a totalitarian oppressor. They offered this scenario in response:
The security police regularly harass a believer who owns the property where a house-church meets. The police say, "You have got to stop these meetings! If you do not stop these meetings, we will confiscate your house, and we will throw you out into the street."
Then the property owner will probably respond, "Do you want my house? Do you want my farm? Well, if you do, then you need to talk to Jesus because I gave this property to Him."
The security police will not know what to make of that answer. So they will say, "We don't have any way to get to Jesus, but we can certainly get to you! When we take your property, you and your family will have nowhere to live!'
And the house-church believers will declare, "Then we will be free to trust God for shelter as well as for our daily bread."
"If you keep this up, we will beat you!" the persecutors will tell them.
"Then we will be free to trust Jesus for healilng," the believers will respond.
"And then we will put you in prison!" the police will threaten.
By now, the believers' response is almost predictable: "Then we will be free to preach the good news of Jesus to the captives, to set them free. We will be free to plant churches in prison."
"If you try to do that, we will kill you!" the frustrated authorities will vow.
And with utter consistency, the house-church believers will reply, "Then we will be free to go to heaven and be with Jesus forever."
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Death as my teacher of Life
There is something about death that matures a person immediately. When a loved one dies, whether immediately or suddenly, the veil of idealism fades away. Gone is the naivety that everything lasts forever. You are left with a somber note that death is real.
When my dad died last 1988, I was only 14 years old. I wasn't close with my dad but he was the first person closest to me to pass away. From an immature age of 14, my mind aged to that of an adult. But this was unknown to me during that time.
I am now 40 years old. Here are some of the things I have learned about death.
1. The issues you once thought important become petty. You argue less because you suddenly realize that wanting to always be right isn't that important after all.
2. The things that you used to call cheesy lost its cheese. What once was awkward for you to say to your family, now become part of your lingo like I love you and I care for you. If before you rarely had time, now you make time.
3. It is not true that you are not affected when someone in your family dies. Whether you "hate" the person or not. You are affected. Perhaps you don't realize what his/her death means to you right away, but you are or will be affected.
4. The effect of someone passing away is not the same for everyone. Some cry. Some are deadma or in denial. Some laugh it off. Some get angry. Some get depressed. Some hide and can't be reached. However way they mourn, it is not for us to judge.
5. There is hope. The pain fades as the years go by. However with that being said, the tears don't totally disappear. You find yourself remembering at odd moments in your life and cry.
I have learned that the death of a loved one is not always the cessation of life. Sometimes it takes the death of a loved one for a person to starting living. We start to ponder on the true essentials by asking ourselves, "Is this all there is to life", "where will I go when I die", "why did this happen to me", "is there a God", "does He listen to my prayers".
Death is a certainty for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, famous or not. But how you live your life and the legacy you leave behind is what matters. For me personally, there is only one legacy that I want to leave behind. That I have lived a life pleasing to God.
This reminds me of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.)
Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins so that those who believe in Him will have life. With Jesus' death came life. He died so that we may live. (John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.)
My wish for those who are still alive is in Psalms 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
The living should take this to heart....
It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.
When my dad died last 1988, I was only 14 years old. I wasn't close with my dad but he was the first person closest to me to pass away. From an immature age of 14, my mind aged to that of an adult. But this was unknown to me during that time.
I am now 40 years old. Here are some of the things I have learned about death.
1. The issues you once thought important become petty. You argue less because you suddenly realize that wanting to always be right isn't that important after all.
2. The things that you used to call cheesy lost its cheese. What once was awkward for you to say to your family, now become part of your lingo like I love you and I care for you. If before you rarely had time, now you make time.
3. It is not true that you are not affected when someone in your family dies. Whether you "hate" the person or not. You are affected. Perhaps you don't realize what his/her death means to you right away, but you are or will be affected.
4. The effect of someone passing away is not the same for everyone. Some cry. Some are deadma or in denial. Some laugh it off. Some get angry. Some get depressed. Some hide and can't be reached. However way they mourn, it is not for us to judge.
5. There is hope. The pain fades as the years go by. However with that being said, the tears don't totally disappear. You find yourself remembering at odd moments in your life and cry.
I have learned that the death of a loved one is not always the cessation of life. Sometimes it takes the death of a loved one for a person to starting living. We start to ponder on the true essentials by asking ourselves, "Is this all there is to life", "where will I go when I die", "why did this happen to me", "is there a God", "does He listen to my prayers".
Death is a certainty for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, famous or not. But how you live your life and the legacy you leave behind is what matters. For me personally, there is only one legacy that I want to leave behind. That I have lived a life pleasing to God.
This reminds me of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.)
Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins so that those who believe in Him will have life. With Jesus' death came life. He died so that we may live. (John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.)
My wish for those who are still alive is in Psalms 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
The living should take this to heart....
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Weighing Scale
In this day and age, there are many kinds of weighing scales being used for various purposes. Some are used to measure density. Some are used to measure solid while others are used for liquid.
Weighing scales are also called many names depending on its function or usage. The strain gauge scale is mostly used in the kitchen, while the commonly seen retail scale makes sure that the weight you are buying is appropriate to the price you are paying.
But for me, the weighing scale I like best and always use is the old-fashion balancing scale.
No, I don't use it to weigh myself because it would take a truck to balance it with my weight. Nor do I use it to measure food: solid or liquid.
The thing I weigh most using this kind of scale are the decisions I make in life. With so many factors to consider in making just one decision, I need to carefully "balance" and "weigh" the pros and cons before deciding. This is where my favorite old-fashioned scale comes in.
In my previous blog, I mentioned that everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. This is true in making decisions because not all options are in black and white. Often times these come in shades of gray.
Like spending for instance. With the Christmas season just around the corner, I really enjoy giving gifts to others. However I need to ask myself, "Can I really afford giving gifts to all the people I know? Do I have the financial back up to spend?" On one side of the balancing scale, I'll maybe put "no gift" and on the other side of the scale I'll probably put "will she get hurt"? If my friend's or acquaintance's need for affirmation weighs heavier than not giving her a gift, then I'd include her in my budget. I praise God that most of my friends are not sensitive and they know I love them with or without a gift. :)
Again 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 says...
23 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
As I lead a small group of girls, I also share to them the same principle when it comes to making decisions. I ask them to make a mental list of the pros and cons of any decision that's in the "shades of gray" category. I ask them to look deep into their true motives before proceeding with any decision. Like who benefits more when you do or don't do this?
I realize that having a gauge is important because it made me realize I can be selfish and busy with things that are really about myself and not for others. Especially with areas that are considered shades of gray, I realize that some of my decisions seek my own good, but not the good of others. I hope the balancing scale works for you as it does for me, too when it comes to making decisions especially in the gray areas of life.
Weighing scales are also called many names depending on its function or usage. The strain gauge scale is mostly used in the kitchen, while the commonly seen retail scale makes sure that the weight you are buying is appropriate to the price you are paying.
No, I don't use it to weigh myself because it would take a truck to balance it with my weight. Nor do I use it to measure food: solid or liquid.
The thing I weigh most using this kind of scale are the decisions I make in life. With so many factors to consider in making just one decision, I need to carefully "balance" and "weigh" the pros and cons before deciding. This is where my favorite old-fashioned scale comes in.
In my previous blog, I mentioned that everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. This is true in making decisions because not all options are in black and white. Often times these come in shades of gray.
Like spending for instance. With the Christmas season just around the corner, I really enjoy giving gifts to others. However I need to ask myself, "Can I really afford giving gifts to all the people I know? Do I have the financial back up to spend?" On one side of the balancing scale, I'll maybe put "no gift" and on the other side of the scale I'll probably put "will she get hurt"? If my friend's or acquaintance's need for affirmation weighs heavier than not giving her a gift, then I'd include her in my budget. I praise God that most of my friends are not sensitive and they know I love them with or without a gift. :)
Again 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 says...
23 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
As I lead a small group of girls, I also share to them the same principle when it comes to making decisions. I ask them to make a mental list of the pros and cons of any decision that's in the "shades of gray" category. I ask them to look deep into their true motives before proceeding with any decision. Like who benefits more when you do or don't do this?
I realize that having a gauge is important because it made me realize I can be selfish and busy with things that are really about myself and not for others. Especially with areas that are considered shades of gray, I realize that some of my decisions seek my own good, but not the good of others. I hope the balancing scale works for you as it does for me, too when it comes to making decisions especially in the gray areas of life.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Good Friends Give Good Feedback
Last October 2, I met with some of my friends at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Greenhills. I really appreciated the effort they took to meet me at such short notice. I only called them during the day but they were able to make it that night.
This is what they reminded me.
1. You cannot please everyone.
2. Some people have more troubles than most.
3. We need to understand and accept our friends no matter how imperfect they are.
4. Assumptions can camouflage themselves as fact. Get your details right. Open up. Communicate.
5. We're getting old. Don't sweat the small stuff.
6. When you have it good, don't just let go.
I am reminded of a verse in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 that says a person can do anything he or she wants but this doesn't necessary mean it's beneficial or constructive. No one should seek their own good but for the good of others.
Our pastor often tells us that we cannot control others but we can definitely choose to control our attitude and the way we react and act towards difficult people.
It was really a fruitful night.
My action plan: Take a deep breath. Sigh. Be more understanding and accepting. But most of all, learn to love.
Thank you to my beautiful and HONEST friends :)
This is what they reminded me.
1. You cannot please everyone.
2. Some people have more troubles than most.
3. We need to understand and accept our friends no matter how imperfect they are.
4. Assumptions can camouflage themselves as fact. Get your details right. Open up. Communicate.
5. We're getting old. Don't sweat the small stuff.
6. When you have it good, don't just let go.
I am reminded of a verse in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 that says a person can do anything he or she wants but this doesn't necessary mean it's beneficial or constructive. No one should seek their own good but for the good of others.
Our pastor often tells us that we cannot control others but we can definitely choose to control our attitude and the way we react and act towards difficult people.
It was really a fruitful night.
My action plan: Take a deep breath. Sigh. Be more understanding and accepting. But most of all, learn to love.
Thank you to my beautiful and HONEST friends :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Trip to CCF Isabela
Last June 2012, I was blessed by God to go to CCF Isabela with Ptr. Joey Batungbacal and his wife, Ms. Cecille. Our department was giving a seminar to their members on the various services on Pastoral Care.
It was my first time to visit Isabela. Our hosts, Manong Manny and Manang Nida, graciously welcomed us into their homes. It was truly a bed and breakfast experience!
I didn't expect the people there to be so warm and on fire for God. They are hard working people and yet have time for what really counts, which is sharing Christ to others and helping each other grow in faith.
We also had a wonderful time fellowshipping with the ladies while Ptr. Joey was with the guys.
All the ladies were attentive in listening to God's message as Ms. Cecille teaches us how to do the Simply The Word method of studying the bible.
Here is a picture of Ptr. Joey with the guys. This picture was taken after Ptr. Joey gave the message during the sunday service.
My stay in CCF Isabela was truly a memorable one. The main atttraction for me was the love given by the people to welcome us there.
I'm reminded of Paul's journey as he visited the various churches in Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians.... when he would refer to the brethen with warm and fondest endearments.
I don't know when I'd visit CCF Isabela again or if I'd ever meet the lovely people I met there in this lifetime. But one thing that comforts me is that when Christ comes again, I will surely spend the rest of eternity with them. :)
It was my first time to visit Isabela. Our hosts, Manong Manny and Manang Nida, graciously welcomed us into their homes. It was truly a bed and breakfast experience!
 |
| At the wonderful home of Manong Manny and Manang Nida |
I didn't expect the people there to be so warm and on fire for God. They are hard working people and yet have time for what really counts, which is sharing Christ to others and helping each other grow in faith.
 |
| Ms. Cecille with the ladies |
All the ladies were attentive in listening to God's message as Ms. Cecille teaches us how to do the Simply The Word method of studying the bible.
My stay in CCF Isabela was truly a memorable one. The main atttraction for me was the love given by the people to welcome us there.
I'm reminded of Paul's journey as he visited the various churches in Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians.... when he would refer to the brethen with warm and fondest endearments.
I don't know when I'd visit CCF Isabela again or if I'd ever meet the lovely people I met there in this lifetime. But one thing that comforts me is that when Christ comes again, I will surely spend the rest of eternity with them. :)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Ode to Arugula
O arugulaI so love ya
You might be bitter to the taste
but i will never put you to waste
You are also known as garden rocketSo small i can put you in my pocket
You have this peppery fragrant smell
So distinct it's easy to tell
You're so rich in vitamin A
Every time I eat you, my eyes say yay!
I love your bursts of flavorDo go extinct? This is my favor
Oh arugula....
You make me sigh
I so love ya
I will never say goodbye
*Nearly 10 years ago, my friends invited me to go to a food trip with them to C's Italian Dining in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga. This was where I met the love of my palate, Arugula.
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